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The Ultimate Packing Guide to an International Move

Your visa is approved, your job is secured, and you’ve even found a place to live, but how do you pack for an international move? What do you bring and what do you leave behind? Find out in our Ultimate Packing Guide.

Taking on such a big move is no easy feat. From jumping through immigration hoops to relocating your belongings, an international move can be a stressful journey.

That’s why we’ve created this ultimate packing list for an international move. Read on to find out what to pack and what to forget.

The Ultimate Packing Guide For Your International Move

Moving is always hard, and international moving is even harder, but if you follow the ultimate packing list below, your big move will be as stress-free as possible.

1. Prioritize What’s Important to You

You can make your move easier by first deciding what you absolutely cannot live without. Ask yourself which of your belongings are essential and what you can store, donate, or throw away.

Remember that many things you may think are essential can be purchased wherever you go (lighting or appliances, for example). Those special, personal items that make your house feel like a home can’t be replaced or bought.

2. Find Out What You Can and Can’t Move

Depending on where you’re moving, you may not be allowed to bring in certain belongings. Weapons, plants, and flammables are just a few of the possibilities.

Most countries will have lists of banned imports on their customs’ websites. Be sure to look into what your new country allows before packing as it will save you headaches and heartaches down the line.

3. Don’t Forget to Think About Space

Before moving, you’ll need to consider how much space you’ll really have. Are you moving from a large condo to a small studio? Are you finally getting the three-bedroom house of your dreams?

If you’re moving to a smaller space, try to get the dimensions first so you can determine whether that sectional will really fit, or if it needs to go in the garage sale.

Tips When Packing

Now that you know what you’ll pack, it’s time to start putting things in boxes. Use the following tips when packing up your belongings.

1. Pack in the Right Order

As tempting as it is, don’t pack up your belongings at random. Pack non-necessities first and save the essentials for the last minute.

Start by packing out of season clothing and decorative items. Leave bathroom supplies and most kitchenware, for example, for later.

2. Consider Weight

Make sure you are filling your boxes as much as possible because items are more likely to get damaged when they have space to move. You can use clothing, bedding, and towels to fill up space in your boxes and protect fragile items at the same time.

However, do be careful to not put all your heavy items into one box. Spread the weight around evenly. No one wants to move a box full of only books!

3. Keep an Inventory of Everything

As you pack, be sure to keep a running list of all your belongings. Number the boxes as you go; that way, you can provide customs with an inventory of exactly what is where.

Doing so will make going through customs much easier. And as a bonus, it will make unpacking quicker and easier too.

Consider Bringing in Professionals

You are not alone when it comes to making a big move away from home. According to the UN, 3.3% of the world’s population lives outside of their country of origin.

Whether you’re moving from the United States to the UK, or you’re looking to change your calling card from Japan to France, you might want to consider using a professional removals company. Let them take care of the paperwork and the hard work!

Fill out our quick and easy form today, and we’ll provide you with free quotes from up to six different removals companies.

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The Ultimate Packing Guide to an International Move

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Your visa is approved, your job is secured, and you've even found a place to live, but how do you pack for an international move? What do you bring and what do you leave behind? Find out in our Ultimate Packing Guide. Taking on such a big move is no easy feat. From jumping through immigration hoops to relocating your belongings, an international move can be a stressful journey. That's why we've created this ultimate packing list for an international move. Read on to find out what to pack and what to forget.